The Best Places to Visit in Canada for Couples: Cities & Regions

The land of maple syrup has everything from mountain towns to sprawling cities.

Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Photo: Santiago Urquijo / Getty

Updated Nov 29, 2023

Weighing up the best places to visit in Canada can be a tricky process, especially when factoring in the myriad options in the world's second-largest country. Perhaps you're about to go on a honeymoon and are in search of scenic beauty and romantic hideaways. Well, 3.85 million square miles of land sure makes seclusion a breeze. But did you want mountain or forest views with that? (And how scared are you of bears?) Or, maybe you're a foodie couple hoping to eat your way through delicious, award-winning restaurants on that special anniversary trip. Will it be the French fancies of Montreal or the Asian comforts of Vancouver?

To help you make up your mind, we've rounded up the best places for a romantic vacation in Canada for every kind of couple. Whether you're outdoorsy, love nightlife or prefer relaxing by a fire, here are our top options for the perfect Canada vacation.

Tofino, British Columbia

Aerial view of Tofino coastline, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

A popular summer getaway for Vancouverites, Tofino offers gorgeous beaches and tandem activities including surfing, kayaking and fishing. Only 1,400 people live here, so you'll also enjoy small-town vibes when you park up at cozy independent businesses (there are no Starbucks or Tim Hortons coffee chains here). Arrive in style—Viator offers a seaplane trip to get here from downtown Vancouver combined with a whale-watching cruise.

Where to Stay: This Vrbo apartment rental is in the heart of everything and is within 10 minutes from the beach. At Pacific Sands Beach Resort, you'll wake up to ocean views, and Wickaninnish Inn is a gorgeous boutique hotel set in the wilderness.

Thousand Islands, Ontario

Straddling the border of the Ontario province, Thousand Islands is a quick and easy romantic getaway for New York state residents who merely have to cross the Thousand Islands Bridge. Couples can wander the Gothic castles and secret passageways on islands such as Heart and Dark, and, of course, there's the gleaming St. Lawrence River that's best enjoyed on a boat with a bottle of Mano's Wine.

Where to Stay: Pangea House, Chrysler House and Woodview Inn in Gananoque all have excellent five-star ratings from their past guests.

Montreal, Québec

The romantic city of Montreal has French refinement all over it, not only in its dining scene but throughout the historic Vieux-Montréal district. Don't miss the Notre Dame Basilica where Celine Dion got married, and a Cirque du Soleil show (Quebec is its birthplace, after all). If you're visiting in the early summer, nab tickets for music festivals such as Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is a stunning 1912 landmark hotel with a Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar and afternoon tea. Le Westin Montreal is good for couples on a tighter budget.

Banff, Alberta

There are so many picturesque corners in Banff that you'll want a Flytographer to capture your time there professionally. The resort town can be enjoyed any time of year. In winter, the lake is frozen over and the landscape features snowy white mountain peaks. In the warmer months, you're treated to turquoise blue waters and a lush green backdrop. Photos aside, Banff National Park is ideal for hiking, and you can ride the Banff Gondola for heightened views of the Rockies.

Where to Stay: The Fairmont Banff is the town's most prestigious stay, and Kananaskis Mountain Lodge from Marriott's Autograph Collection has a wonderful adults-only spa package.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Watching the cascading Niagara Falls is a bucket list dream of many, so whether you're just taking a day trip from Toronto or you're visiting for the whole weekend, big memories will be made. The town is more than just waterfalls though—visitors can hop on the Niagara SkyWheel, try their luck in the area's best casinos, or sample some grapes at Niagara-on-the-Lake's best wineries.

Where to Stay: Both Hilton Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa have incredible views of the waterfalls.

Whistler, British Columbia

Couples with ski plans: Look no further than Whistler, a destination that boasts some of the best slopes in North America. This resort town comes alive in the snowy season when it's all about skiing, snowboarding and après ski drinking (we recommend Après Après if you want to dance). Treat your beau to a helicopter tour of the region and take in the glaciers and mountain peaks from the top. If weather permits, they'll land in high alpine wilderness so you get the ultimate selfie together.

Where to Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa is in the heart of Whistler Village, close to both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain Gondolas. Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler has home comforts like kitchenettes and fireplaces in their suites if you like romantic nights indoors.

Toronto, Ontario

Ontario's largest city is often mistaken for its capital thanks to its vibrant entertainment options and international cuisine. For first-timers, the CN Tower is a must-visit for the observatory, but for something extra special, how about lunch at 360 Restaurant inside? Shoppers will find solace in the Toronto Eaton Centre, where they can pluck an ensemble to sport at swanky hotel bars like the one at the Shangri-La Toronto. Ice hockey fans might want to time their visit for a Toronto Maple Leafs home game at the Scotiabank Arena.

Where to Stay: The St. Regis Toronto is one of the most luxurious hotels for couples. W Toronto is happening for nightlife in Yorkville. Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville is a nice affordable option, but it's worth checking Hotel Planner for last-minute deals in the city, too.

Prince Edward Island, The Maritimes

For a chance to go off the grid together, consider Prince Edward Island, famous for rolling green hills, sandstone cliffs and clean sandy beaches. Rent a cabin and enjoy nature during the day. Come dark, cozy up indoors together for the ultimate romantic rendezvous. Adventurous couples wanting to explore the Maritimes region might want to enlist the expertise of Go Ahead Tours, which has an excellent nine-day tour from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island.

Where to Stay: Vrbo has cottages and cabins for couples to get cozy in. The Great George in Charlottetown is a hotel that feels like a townhome. The Royal Hotel, Wander the Resort and Drake Devonshire are additional romantic stays in Prince Edward County.

Québec City, Québec

Looking to brush up on your French without the long-haul flight? The capital of Québec, Québec City, is the place to do it. The Old Québec neighborhood is stylized as a medieval European town and is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Top tourist attractions include Montmorency Falls Park, which has an unmissable waterfall; The Museum of Civilisation (close to Place Royal town plaza); and the best poutine and croissants around on Viator's Old Quebec City food and drink tour.

Where to Stay: Auberge Saint-Antoine in Old Port and Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Old Québec are romantic options for couples; Quebec City Marriott Downtown and Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec are affordable downtown stays.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver skyline in front of North Shore Mountains

Offering another chance to sample authentic international cuisine, Vancouver on Canada's West Coast boasts a thriving Asian community that gives LA's Asian food scene a run for its money. Head to the Richmond district for your fill of dumplings, ramen, Korean fried chicken and bubble tea (GetYourGuide has a walking food tour led by experts). If you're visiting in summer, hang out at Kitsilano Beach or go biking in Stanley Park (which, at 1,000 acres, is so huge you may prefer to do a guided cycle tour). Queer couples and their allies should come in August for Vancouver Pride when the areas surrounding Davie Street are awash with rainbow festivity. Sports fans should time their visit for a Vancouver Canucks ice hockey match.

Where to Stay: The Shangri-La Vancouver is the sexiest stay for honeymooners, but anniversary couples will also enjoy special nights at Rosewood Hotel Georgia and The Westin Bayshore. If you want a romantic stay outside (but within easy reach) of the core downtown area, try Granville Island Hotel.

Mont-Tremblant, Québec

Located in Québec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is a ski mecca. However, couples seeking romance in the picturesque mountains can leave their ski gear behind and visit in the summer, when sunny skies shine over the stunning parks and valleys. Parc National du Mont-Tremblant is packed with rivers, lakes and streams, and the sandy shores are the perfect respite for a cheese and wine picnic.

Where to Stay: For scenic beauty from your hotel room, check into AX Hotel, Le Westin Tremblant or the uber-luxe Hotel Quintessence.

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Northern Lights as seen from the Yukon Territory

Chasing the Northern Lights? Yukon is one of the best places to catch the sky's most spectacular show in Canada. You'll want to see them in the early winter, but be warned, it gets extremely cold here. Base yourselves in the capital city of Whitehorse where you'll have access to amenities and comforts. On Viator's Aurora Viewing Tour, a local expert guides you to the lights via minibus. Other points of interest in the area include the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll meet arctic foxes and elk, and the scenic Miles Canyon for hiking.

Where to Stay: Raven Inn Whitehorse and Edgewater Hotel are good value stays in town. However, the most romantic accommodations can be found on Vrbo, such as this cozy cabin with mountain views.